AITJ Weekly Digest is a flexible but effective report that focus on what is happening in the world in the areas of our interest and concern such as foreign affairs, human rights, enlargement, relations between Africa and Europe and so on. Every week, this press review intends to provide an overview of news, updates and all new developments concerning the defence of human rights, the fight against impunity and international relations in the broadest sense.
Concerned by Worsening Situation in West Africa, Sahel, Security Council Presidential Statement Calls for National, Regional, International Support
UN News, 28 july 2020
The Security Council, expressing concern about security and humanitarian challenges in West Africa — as well as the potential of the COVID-19 pandemic to exacerbate existing fragilities — on 28th july adopted a presidential statement calling for national, regional and international support for countries of the region.
Human Trafficking has no place in our days
EEAS News, 30 july 2020
The 30th july is the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, raising awareness for an issue many times invisible, but still present in our societies. The EU has been working on the prevention and fight against human trafficking through its actions on the ground and through the collaboration at local and international levels.
EU fight against terrorism: terrorist list renewed for a further six months and one person added to the ISIL/Da'esh and Al-Qaida list
Press Release European Council, 30 july 2020
The Council on 30th july renewed the so-called EU terrorist list, which sets out the persons, groups and entities subject to restrictive measures aimed at combating terrorism.
Persons, groups and entities on the list are subject to the freezing of funds and other financial assets in the EU. It is also prohibited for EU operators to make funds and economic resources available to them.
Central African Republic and Common Security and Defence Policy: EU launches civilian advisory mission and extends the mandate of military training mission
Press Release European Council, 30 july 2020
The Council on 30th july adopted a decision launching the European Union CSDP (Common Security and Defence Policy) civilian advisory mission in the Central African Republic (EUAM RCA).
The mission was initially established on 9 December 2019, with Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/2110. Following the achievement of Initial Operational Capability, the mission will now become operational on 9 August for an initial period of two years.
Hong Kong: Council expresses grave concern over national security law
Press Release European Council, 28 july 2020
Following an initial discussion in the Foreign Affairs Council on 13 July 2020, the Council on 28th july adopted conclusions expressing grave concern over the national security legislation for Hong Kong adopted by the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress on 30 June 2020.
Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Qatar v. United Arab Emirates)
ICJ Press Release, 30 july 2020
THE HAGUE, 30 July 2020. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, will hold public hearings in the case concerning the Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Qatar v. United Arab Emirates) from Monday 31 August to Monday 7 September 2020, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the Court.
WTO, World Bank launch joint publication on the role of trade in empowering women
WTO News, 30 july 2020
The WTO and the World Bank launched the joint publication “Women and Trade: The role of trade in promoting gender equality” at a virtual event on 30 July. Gaining a better understanding of how women can benefit from trade is essential in ensuring that trade works for all and that its benefits are sustained in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, said WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo and World Bank Managing Director Mari Pangestu.
Commission to Poland: Respect fundamental rights or lose funds Von der Leyen promises ‘a Union of equality’ as six Polish towns have applications for EU cash turned down.
Politico News, 30 july 2020
The European Commission on Thursday 30th july issued a warning to Poland, Hungary and any other EU country inclined to disregard fundamental rights: give no respect, get no money.